*All polar bear images on this page were captured during our 2025 Arctic Polar Expedition following the latest environmental regulations.
ARCTIC POLAR PHOTO EXPEDITION
Embark on an extraordinary photographic adventure through the breathtaking landscapes of the Svalbard Archipelago. This exclusive expedition takes you deep into the Arctic Circle aboard a luxury ice-strengthened vessel, offering unparalleled access to one of the planet’s most remote and pristine environments.
Cruising north toward the pack ice and the edge of the North Pole, you'll experience the raw beauty of towering glaciers, dramatic fjords, and endless daylight that transforms the Arctic into a photographer’s dream. With 24 hours of sunlight, every moment is a chance to capture the surreal and ever-changing light of the polar summer.
19 June - 29 June 2026
This journey is designed for those who crave immersive exploration. Zodiac excursions allow you to land on untouched shores, navigate icy waters, and get close to the Arctic’s diverse wildlife—including reindeer, walruses and seabirds. But the true heart of this tour lies in the expedition itself: the thrill of navigating through ice fields, the camaraderie of a small group of like-minded adventurers, and the expert guidance of seasoned nature and photography professionals.
While polar bears are the crown jewel of Arctic wildlife, Svalbard offers a rich tapestry of species that thrive in this extreme environment. Each day brings new opportunities to encounter the region’s remarkable biodiversity, both from the ship and during Zodiac excursions.
Whether you're drawn by the allure of Arctic exploration or the chance to photograph rare wildlife in dramatic settings, this tour offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience in one of the world’s last true wildernesses.
19 June - 29 June 2026
TRIP DETAILS
Tour Highlights:
10-day expedition aboard the Explorer, departing from Longyearbyen, Norway
Small group size (maximum 12 guests) for an intimate and personalised experience
Luxurious suites with en-suite bathrooms, spa and sauna
Expert-led Zodiac excursions for shore landings and wildlife photography
Endless photographic opportunities under the midnight sun
INCLUSIONS / EXCLUSIONS
This includes accommodation and full board on our private chartered ship, all activities, and all guiding. It excludes international travel, visas, travel insurance, alcohol, and gratuities.
What our guests have to say about their experience…
“Chris McLennan's small group photography expedition to the arctic pack ice in international waters North of Svalbard was absolutely life changing! No one else we spoke to at the airport after the trip had seen a polar bear as close as we had, if at all. We had amazing polar bear experiences right next to our ship! The fact Chris only offers these trips when a particular polar bear expert/finder is on board the ship he charters, shows he wants to create an unforgettable experience for those traveling with him. Despite the fact I already had a lot of experience with photography and the use of Lightroom, Chris taught me so much during the trip. He was always teaching while we were shooting, and during the editing process as well. Most of the small group on his chartered trip were not photographers, but they brought their cameras along. By the end of the trip, Chris had taught them enough to the point they were excited about the images they captured and signed up for future photography trips with him. All of those "non photographers" are now very excited about photography, as they finally learned how to use their cameras thanks to Chris. I have signed up for Chris's trip to Botswana and Mongolia next year, as they are 2 of the many trips he has meticulously planned with years of experience traveling to and photographing the locations on his list. Hand picking very special locations to photograph, intimate and unique cultural experiences and off the beaten path lodging locations. I can't wait to experience and photograph more of this beautiful world while learning more from Chris!” Sincerely, Stephanie M.
“If you are looking for the trip and experience of a lifetime join Chris on one of his incredible photography expositions. Just returned from the ARTIC with Chris. Can’t say enough about Chris and his photography expoditions. He is a true professional. I was not as versed with my camera as I should have been but Chris was so patient teaching me so, therefore I have some awesome photos of my ARTIC trip!” ~ 2025 Guest
A JOURNEY GUIDED BY NATURE
We embrace the wild and unpredictable beauty of the natural world. While we craft each itinerary with care, the real adventure lies in adapting to the moment. Weather conditions, wildlife movements, and spontaneous photographic opportunities may lead us to adjust our plans along the way. This flexibility allows us to chase the best light, follow the action, and ensure you’re in the right place at the right time to capture truly unforgettable images.
Highlights of our ship…
A1 ice-class polar ship
Ensuites
Small group of a maximum of 12 guests
Hot tub & Sauna
Spacious lounge with panoramic views
Equipped with two zodiacs
Ample deck spaces ideal for photography
Rooms will be allocated on availability and allowing for rooming logistics. If you are travelling alone, we will do our best to pair you with a suitable travel partner of the same sex. When set up as twin occupancy, there is a privacy curtain between the beds.
ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
DAY 1 – Individual arrivals into Longyearbyen, pre-tour accommodation required (1 night, own cost).
DAY 2 – Tour starts, Hotel transfers to the dock and board MS Polarfront for departure.
A total of ten days onboard our private chartered ship, cruising the Svalbard Archipelago and north towards the North Pole, breaking through the pack ice in search of wildlife viewing opportunities and the incredible scenery of this region and enjoying the comforts of our private charter expedition vessel. With 24 hours of daylight, the photo opportunities are endless….
FINAL DAY – Disembark and transfer back to the airport for individual departures.
